Tag Archive for: Travel

The Pumpkin Wagon

Pumpkin patches and displays are a feature of autumn. This wagon sits at a farm that I drive by often that offers pumpkins and other decorations for sale.

On a weekend ride to see the fall colors, my family drove by this. Since I was driving, my wife took this picture for me.

I must admit that I’m already partial to the combination of green and yellow. Add the orange of my favorite season, and this wagon stands out against the weathered shop building behind it.

Think about the stories that this old wagon could tell. It may share tales of the people and loads that it hauled or the places that it visited – leaving scars as reminders of its years of use.

Each pumpkin shares its own story – one of perseverance, struggle and growth, from small seed to harvest.

Likewise, we all have stories. Think of your scars, and how they helped you to grow. The same Creator who watched over those pumpkins also cares for you and me. He’s lovingly watching over us to help us grow and mature into the “finished” people that we’re intended to be.

Autumn offers many opportunities to see beautiful colors painted across the landscape. Over the next few weeks, I hope that you’ll enjoy the scenery as you experience the Creator’s love for you!

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Journey Down a Dirt Road

I came across this picture that I had taken some time ago. Many thoughts about dirt roads and old barns came to mind as I looked at the photo. 

As I continued to look at this scene, thoughts of work came to mind. After all, dirt roads and old barns seem to bring up memories of hard, manual labor – you know, an honest day’s work. 

Today, we live in a world that seems to grow more hectic by the minute. The technology that was supposed to make our lives easier has often just made us busier. We’re in a hurry to get places, but we don’t take the time to enjoy the ride. This is many of our lives. But, is that what life is really about? A constant rat race from birth to death? 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that there’s joy in the journey – not just at the destination. Along the way, we’ll experience bumps and bruises – and, you and I will hit some pretty big potholes. Yet, like a great meal that’s been left to simmer, the best things in life are often found on the roads that are least traveled. 

Old barns, houses and fences tell their own stories of love, laughter, trials and hard work – the kind of life that leaves a person exhausted and yet contented. These feelings are robbed from us when we’re too busy to slow down. 

Pictures like this remind me that the best things in life often occur when we take our time. Not only do we make fewer mistakes, but we may experience and enjoy what really matters – time with God and loved ones. 

So, let me urge you to find a dirt road. Slow down and see where it may lead. You may be surprised to find the destination to be a place that draws you closer to your Creator and loved ones. 

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Autumn Backroad Adventures

My wife and I both love autumn. One of our favorite seasonal activities is to take drives to see the fall colors. Around every turn and over each hill are new views to enjoy.

These backroad adventures allow us to slow down – if no one is following. It’s here when we are given a chance to witness the brilliant colors and handiwork of the Master Creator.

We live in a world that seems to be constantly on the go. Yet, these drives to enjoy the autumn splendor give us another chance to pause and see that the most important things in life are our relationships with God and the people who He brings into our lives.

Each season offers new opportunities to be enjoyed. Yet, it’s in those drives to see the vibrant, unique color palettes that we find a sense of thankfulness and rest.

Have a great day!

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Built to Withstand the Weather

Many people love covered bridges. They stir nostalgia – allowing memories of another time to come to mind.

As part of their charm, these structures often draw much speculation to why they were built. It seems, thanks Hollywood, chivalry and courting come to mind for many.

However, the real reason for covered bridges was more utilitarian. They were originally built to protect the structure from the weather.

While maybe not as inspiring as a love story written for the big screen, there’s something just as noble and powerful to the reason behind covered bridges.

We often look at the outward appearances of people and things. Yet, we don’t look at their inner beings – who or what they really are. While an appearance may make for an attractive picture, the inside “guts” reveal the real structural integrity of a person or thing. It also makes us ask if the bridge (or person) is built to withstand life’s storms – and are they who they were created to be?

Covered bridges offer a unique, attractive perspective of a previous era. Yet, they also offer a great reminder that we must always look at what’s inside to make sure that it matches what is on the outside.

Have a great day!

😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Simpler Times

Stone fences are often associated with the New England states and rural Europe. Across much of the Midwest, where I’m from, fences made from boards or barbed wire are more common.

Likewise, covered bridges are often considered to be a thing of the past. While they can still be occasionally found, most of these structures are either restored or built to look old.

This picturesque Midwestern farm drive offers a glimpse into another time. With a covered bridge, and a stone fence lining part of its length, one feels like they’re traveling down “Memory Lane”.

Looking at this scene, it calls back to a time that seems simpler. Small farms, families working together, neighbors helping each other and communities coming together to worship are hallmarks of that era.

Today, we are often stressed out in our hustle and bustle. We lose more than we gain, as we miss out on time with God, family and friends.

This picture is a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. Let’s make sure that we’re investing our time in the people who truly matter in our lives.

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Farm’s Covered Bridge

 

This little covered bridge spans a small stream on a farm drive. I’ve driven by it hundreds of times – and have passed through it on a few occasions, as well.

Sitting in the trees, the small structure is partially obscured by the foliage during the warm months of the year.  I think that those trees and leaves offer an added sense of tranquility to the scene.

Covered bridges offer a nostalgic, timeless glimpse back to days long ago.  They allow us to remember times that, compared to now, don’t seem to have been so hectic and hurried.

I love scenes like this because they force me to slow down.  An image like this has the ability to help me to reflect on the people and things that are truly important in life.

A bridge also has another important function.  It spans a body of water or other barrier – connecting two pieces of land or a couple of buildings that are separated from one another.  These links allow the flow of people, materials or information to be passed with little or no hindrance.

Thinking about this covered bridge, I’ve been thinking how often barriers are formed between us and other people.  We’re separate individuals, who have our own identities, ideas and values.  Yet, there are common bonds that link us together – such as our heritage, ancestry, beliefs and views.

Deep down, each person wants to feel appreciated and linked to others.  In fact, it’s the central theme of the most widely-distributed book of all times:  the Bible.  Christ serves as a bridge – offering a redemptive connection between God and people.

While not as common as they once were, covered bridges offer a glimpse into the past.  They also allow us to reach places and people who would otherwise be inaccessible.

Have a great day!

😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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The Hidden Ridge Farm

I’ve driven by the farm where this barn is located for years. In fact, it was only about a mile from where I was raised.

Yet, it’s only been in the past two or three years, that I’ve gotten to see the historic building. This barn sits about a quarter mile from the road. To get to it, one must follow a lane uphill, through woods to get to the ridge where the farm is located.

How often do we go by places without really seeing them? In fact, it’s probably safe to say that we do the same thing with people. We pass by others without getting to know them.

While I’d never encourage anyone to trespass, I believe that we must take time to get to know the people around us. It’s through these opportunities that we learn and grow as we invest in one another.

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Looking Down Your Nose

I was driving down a steep driveway from a delivery when I saw a red barn across the valley in front of me. By road, the old structure was probably more than a mile away. Yet, in a sea of green, it stood out.

From my vantage point in the truck cab, the barn looked closer than it appeared. It definitely made for a unique picture! But, since I was on a steep grade, I didn’t really want to stop there and climb out of the truck for even a few seconds. So, I opted for a photo from behind the steering wheel.

As I was thinking about that view later, I was reminded of how I had looked down my nose – or, rather the truck’s nose to get that shot.

We live in a world where people are often comparing themselves with others. In fact, that’s been the case since Adam and Eve were here with their first two sons, Cain and Abel.

There are so many things that vie to separate us. Yet, God created each of us as equal beings with specific gifts and abilities to meet our individual personalities. The fact that each person is born and will die should be enough to make us acutely aware of our need for a Savior, and keep us humble in our dealings with others.

We really don’t have any reason to compare ourselves with others. This instance, where I looked down and over the nose of my Peterbilt, allowed me to have a unique perspective of the countryside – and of life.

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Between the Ditches

You have probably heard someone say “to keep it between the ditches”… or, between the lines. Perhaps, you’ve told someone that, as well.

On many small, rural roads like the one in the picture, it may be hard to always stay inside the lines. This is especially true if you’re driving a large truck or piece of farm equipment. But, keep between the ditches… definitely!

As I look at this picture, I’m reminded of something that I used to hear my Grandfather say. Grandpa said that he paid for both sides of the road – so, he was going to use them. Of course, Grandpa said it in good humor. Driving truck for sixty years, he definitely spent plenty of time driving country roads.

Seriously though, we can learn from narrow roadways.

Lines provide a path to help us move forward. They won’t stop us when we cross over them.

Ditches, however, carry the possibility to stop us. If you have ever slid into a ditch then you understand this truth.

We face many challenges going through life. Each of us have “lines” that help to guide us. Sometimes we stay safely on the road – while we crash at other times.

The Bible talks about how the narrow road leads to eternal life, while the wide road leads to destruction and separation from God. We see evidence of this often in the choices that we make.

Let’s keep it between the lines and ditches – arriving safely at our destination. We don’t want to crash off course and hurt ourselves and others!

Have a great day! 😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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The Tranquility of an Old Dirt Road

A few miles from here, sits a farm that my wife and I like to drive by.  The house, barn and outbuildings are separated from the gravel road by a pasture with a small creek winding through it.  With some beef cattle or sheep often grazing there, it’s a tranquil setting where we often appreciate slowing down to enjoy the view.

When I see this farm, I’m reminded of a feature in a rural magazine that I used to receive that was called “The Prettiest Place in the Country”.

This farm, I’m sure, would be a contender for that article.  Its owners have spent countless hours transforming a small farmstead into a beautiful oasis.

Each season finds the house and landscape decorated for that particular time of the year.  Beautiful flowers and landscaping highlight the fences and house during the spring and summer.  In the fall, with the colors of the surrounding trees and green of the nearby hills, the white painted farmhouse and springhouse, along with the red barn and outbuildings stand out as they add to the muted colors of autumn.

We live in a world where the ability to multi-task is often seen as something that’s considered to be virtue-like.  But, were we really created to always run at whirlwind speed?  I seriously doubt it.

In a world that seems to be increasingly marked by hustle and bustle, we need to find time to unwind – perhaps, more often than we think.  Old dirt roads, sheltered by shade trees and winding past quiet meadows and beautiful farms, are among those places that I find restful – perhaps, almost therapeutic.

Slowing down and enjoying the scenery allows us opportunities to allow our minds to wander.  A drive in the country may allow us some much-needed peaceful, restful time away with family or friends.  It’s also in these moments that we are able to enjoy the beauty of creation – and have time to enjoy fellowship with our Creator, which is the primary reason why we’ve been placed here.

Reflecting on this farm and the little roads that lead to it, I’m reminded that life isn’t just about successes or reaching milestones and destinations.  Sometimes, the real joy and success is found in the journey.

Although we can’t slow down the world around us, you and I have the ability to alter the speed of our own lives.  Let’s make the most of this time that we’ve got – and enjoy the journey.

Have a great day! 🙂

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”  –  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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